Managing multilingual teams comes with its challenges, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to drive innovation and collaboration. In my experience, leveraging translation tools, defining clear roles, and incorporating visual aids are essential for maintaining high productivity. Additionally, activities that celebrate cultural diversity can strengthen team cohesion and focus. Prioritizing open communication and documenting key information in multiple languages are small yet impactful steps. When managed effectively, diversity becomes a powerful engine for growth and success.

Multilingual often means multi-cultural too. So as leaders to manage, we need to understand their culture and how they work. Have them understand the goal of the event too and make sure we are assigning right roles to the right people. Then we can move on to setting clear objectives and responsibilities and communicating with each person or the leaders of each team well. And most importantly, a smile and encouraging nod will keep team spirit high and their motivations to deliver.

Cross-Cultural Communication Tips: 1. Use ChatGPT and Zoom Translate like a pro. (Use tech to your advantage) 2. Schedule longer meetings—language takes time, people! 3. Double-check translations (Ex. English → Arabic → sanity check). 4. Learn their culture—Google it, take a class, or book a flight. 5. Non-native English speakers = the best teams. Period.